Do you need a pricey treadmill, or will a budget option suffice? Here’s what experts say

Running in cold weather isn’t for me, and if you’re the same way, you’ve probably spent more time than you’d care to admit perusing the seemingly endless treadmill listings available online. There are lots of expensive, high-tech options with features like touchscreen monitors and integrated WiFi connectivity — fancy add-ons that make indoor running seem more exciting — but there are also plenty of reliable, budget-friendly treads that promise to get the job done without leaving you in debt. Do you really need to splurge on an expensive, high-end treadmill if a more affordable option would work?

Knowing what you can afford is the first step; you also need to be honest with yourself about what you actually need your treadmill to do. Will you use it to help you meet your daily step count? Do you plan to run a few miles every morning? Are you looking for a machine that has built-in workout classes? How much space do you have in your home for a treadmill, and do you need to be able to store it away between uses? Be very clear about the answers to these questions … or you may end up paying for more than you actually need.

To get to the bottom of the treadmill price question, we spoke with three certified personal trainers: Maria Vazquez, Josh York and Michael Betts; Jay Silva, an RRCA‑certified run coach and strength and conditioning specialist; and Milica McDowell, PT, DPT, a certified exercise physiologist and physical therapist. Here, you’ll find their insights on the most important features to look for when buying a treadmill, as well as how to decide whether to opt for a wallet-friendly option or a state-of-the-art model.

Should you buy an expensive or cheaper treadmill?

It’s hard not to feel entranced by the next-level treadmills with all the high-tech accoutrement … that is, until sticker shock jolts you back to reality. However, a treadmill’s quality usually depends on its discrete features, rather than the integrated workout classes. Betts suggests looking beyond price tags to how the machine actually performs: Test responsiveness to speed changes, listen for motor noise and check the running surface’s comfort. In his words, “Reading reviews and, if possible, testing the treadmill before buying will help you make the right decision.” Need some guidance? Yahoo editors tested 21 treadmills, ranging in price from $239 to $6,695, to compile our list of the best treadmills. Those that made our top picks started at $600.

It’s up to you to decide if the flashy, high-tech bells and whistles are important, or if you just want a solid, quality machine that’ll last. While connectivity can be a deciding factor for some buyers, with many treadmills syncing to wearables or external apps via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, even inexpensive walking pads tend to offer the type of workout tracking that most people want. “Treadmills keep you motivated and accountable with features that track your speed, distance and calories burned,” York says. And if streaming classes or using entertainment apps matters to you, think about whether you really need a treadmill’s built-in touchscreen (which can add hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to your purchase price) or if you’re comfortable syncing your phone or tablet with the treadmill to follow workouts on your own device.

If you’re an athlete who needs a treadmill for training purposes, you should look beyond the integrated screens and connectivity options to consider features like motor size, deck cushioning and the dimensions of the running surface. A more powerful motor, higher-quality shock absorption, a slatted deck surface and a longer or wider running space will increase the purchase price of a treadmill, but these options are often critical to long-term performance and comfort. If, however, you just want a treadmill to log extra steps at the end of the day or to skip your outdoor walk when the weather turns grim, a cheaper option (like a walking pad) may be all you need.

To this end, Vazquez emphasizes that home access is a huge benefit: “Having a treadmill at home spares you the trip to the gym so you can fit in a workout in your daily schedule. You can use short breaks or free time to do quick sessions — whether it’s a brisk walk, jog, or high‑intensity interval training. The choice to adjust speed and incline gives you the ability to tailor your workout to your preferences.”

What features can quickly drive up the price of a treadmill?

You probably know that a built-in screen, faster speeds and extended incline or decline settings are typically seen with more expensive treadmills, but there are a few items you may not know to keep an eye on. Betts points to the drive system and overall build: A smoother, quieter motor and fast response to speed changes signal better engineering. He recommends hands-on testing where possible to gauge these qualities in real time.

What are some important features to look for in a treadmill?

Regardless of your fitness ability, there are three things every person should consider when purchasing a treadmill: 1) the deck and its cushioning abilities, 2) motor power, which influences speed and incline ranges and 3) the space-saving features and footprint.

Let’s take a look at our picks for best treadmill overall (the Horizon 7.4 AT, $1,800), best manual treadmill (Centr’s Official Hyrox Perform Tread, $6,900), best incline treadmill (NordicTrack’s X24, $3,300) and best budget treadmill (Horizon T101 Connect, $600). As you can see, their prices range significantly, and this is due in large part to the features and benefits each treadmill offers.

Deck and cushioning

The deck is the area you walk/run on, and where the belt is located. You may want a wider and longer deck if you’re a runner or have a broader build. A smaller deck will work if you’re primarily using the machine for walking or the occasional jog. Premium treadmills may offer rubberized, slatted decks that offer more cushioning, support and personalized shock absorption than traditional running belts.

Vazquez recommends paying extra for cushioning and shock absorption, particularly if you plan to use your treadmill for running or for longer workouts: “These features reduce the impact on your joints with each step, which is great for those who walk, jog or run frequently. Unlike running on concrete or hard surfaces, a well‑cushioned treadmill surface reduces the strain on knees, ankles, hips and lower back and helps prevent discomfort — especially among older adults or those with joint sensitivities.”

• The Horizon 7.4 AT has one of the widest decks of the four, at 22 inches, with a 60-inch length. This makes it a good choice for a wide range of walkers and runners. The weight capacity is also 350 pounds — more than many residential treadmills, but less than some of the other premium treads we tested.

• Centr’s Official Hyrox Perform Tread is the most expensive treadmill we tested, and a big part of its cost is due to its premium slatted and rubberized deck and curved design. This makes it a great choice for athletes and serious runners who need extra cushioning and joint support as they log extra miles and workout at higher speeds. This treadmill is also a manual treadmill, which means no electricity is required — it’s completely human powered. While the deck length and width is a little smaller than some of the others (19”x59”), the curved design can help improve gait and form. Supporting weights up to almost 400 pounds, it’s one of the most durable treads we tested.

• The NordicTrack X24 has a nice wide deck at 22 inches, matching the Horizon 7.4 AT for width. It also has a fairly standard length (60 inches, ideal for walking, jogging and running). It can support users who weigh up to 400 pounds, making it the sturdiest tread on our best list. This is thanks, in part, to its more powerful motor — a requirement for this tread’s real standout feature: incredible incline and decline ability.

• Horizon’s T101 Connect’s deck makes it clear where some of the corners were cut to help bring its price to a more affordable $600. It’s shorter and more narrow than many of the treads we tested — 20” W x 55” L — making it less suitable for taller users with longer gaits, particularly those who need to lengthen their stride when running. Its weight capacity is also just 300 pounds. Not shabby, but less than the more premium selections.

Motor power and its reflection on performance, speed and incline ranges

The motor influences how smoothly a treadmill changes speed, how quiet it runs and how well it holds pace during intervals or hills. Betts recommends focusing on real‑world feel if you plan to test a treadmill in person: Look for a smooth, quiet motor and quick response to speed changes if you can try models in person.

York suggest simple benchmarks: “Look for a motor with at least 2.0 to 3.0 horsepower (HP).” If you’re a sprinter or heavy runner, consider the upper end of that range. If you’re a walker, you can likely get away with purchasing a tread at the lower end of the spectrum without sacrificing the quality of your experience.

The motor power (along with build type and quality) also influences how fast a tread can go and whether it can support significant incline or decline ranges. McDowell suggests aligning these specs with your goals: Confirm the treadmill you’re eyeing reaches the speeds you want (she notes that “under 12 mph is usually plenty” for home use), and make sure the incline range is practical for your training (she finds “under 10% is usually great for home use”).

If you tend to do higher-speed running on a flat surface, incline ranges won’t really matter. But if you’re a power walker with a 3-4 mph range, look for middling incline options from 4% to 12% if you want to use changes in incline to amp up the challenge of your workout. If you like incline training (particularly at inclines greater than 15%), your treadmill options are going to be more limited (and expensive). This is because of the extra motor power and infrastructure required to support a treadmill that offers these increased angles.

It’s also important to consider your preferred style of workout (steady state, interval training or something in between) to make sure the tread you choose can support quick changes in speed or incline, if needed. Look for consoles that make on‑the‑fly changes easy (like our top pick for interval training, the Bowflex T16, $2000). While model names vary, look for clearly labeled one‑touch controls so you can jump between speeds and gradients quickly.

• The Horizon 7.4 AT has a high-quality motor with 3.5 CHP (continuous horse power), which is typically a better indicator of performance than motors listed only with HP (horse power) ratings. It also has solid speed and incline ranges at 0-15% incline and 0-12 mph. This is sufficient for most users, whether walkers or runners, making it a solid pick overall.

• Centr’s Official Hyrox Perform Tread doesn’t actually provide a motor or settings for speed or incline because it’s completely human powered. This means you can go as fast as you want while running on this treadmill — there’s no upper limit. You won’t be able to walk or run at a designated incline, but the curved shape of the treadmill is akin to using a low incline setting on most treads because its shape inherently requires gait changes similar to those necessary to walk or run up a low hill.

• The NordicTrack X24 was our top pick for “best incline treadmill” for a reason. Its powerful 4.25 CHP motor allows for a range from -6% (decline) to 40% (incline) — by far the highest and lowest options of the treadmills we tested. This makes it a great pick for anyone who loves hill training and hiking and wants to be able to simulate these workouts while exercising inside. It also offers a max speed of 12 mph, making it sufficient for most runners.

• Horizon’s T101 Connect doesn’t specify is motor power (although it is covered under a lifetime warranty). That said, the speed and incline are more limited than the other treads, but still aren’t bad, considering the price. The incline tops out at 10% and the speed, likewise, is limited to 10 mph. For more casual walkers and joggers this is still a great range that allows for high-quality training at home.

Footprint and space-saving features

This is the amount of square footage the treadmill will take up in your home. If space is particularly tight, look for a foldable option that can easily be moved and stored away. Foldable models include under-the-desk style treadmills and stable, high-quality machines. It’s possible to find premium options that won’t take up as much space. Still, if you’ve got plenty of room and won’t need to move your machine around, you’ll be able to accommodate a bigger model.

• The Horizon 7.4 AT is a great choice if you’re looking for space-saving features. While it’s not a small treadmill, it does fold up and can be wheeled to a corner of the room when not in use.

• Centr’s Official Hyrox Perform Tread is a big, heavy machine (it weighs roughly 400 pounds). It has no space-saving features, and while it technically has wheels and a handle to help you move it around, good luck doing so. If you want this tread in your house, plan to leave it wherever it’s set up.

• The NordicTrack X24 is likewise a bit of a beast that you’re not going to be able to hide away between workouts. At roughly 400 pounds, it doesn’t move easily (although our tester did find it easier to move than the Centr tread) and doesn’t offer any folding features.

• Horizon’s T101 Connect’s footprint is already a little smaller and more compact, thanks to its shorter deck. It also folds up and can be rolled, but as our tester pointed out, it still weighs roughly 180 pounds, so it’s not the easiest thing to move around. If you truly need an option you can hide away between uses, you’re likely better off trying our “best compact folding” pick, the Feier Star 100 ($1,500), or opting for a walking pad, instead.

What can more expensive treadmills offer that budget options can’t?

Built-in touchscreen consoles are considered a higher-end feature, and treadmills that come with one often command a steeper price tag. For instance, a Peloton Tread+ can cost you nearly $5,500 (although the high price also reflects its highly-cushioned slatted deck and its longer running surface).

Console features vary depending on the treadmill you go with, and some include entertainment apps like Netflix, Spotify and on-demand workouts, but if $5,500 (or even $1,800, like the ProForm Carbon 9000, our top pick for “best for runners under $2,000,” which also has a built-in touchscreen) is too rich for your blood, you can always use a good ol’ propped-up tablet for your electronic display.

Some consoles also tilt and rotate to adjust for comfort (so you’re not looking up or down while running) or for following along with streaming workouts when you’re off the treadmill. You may notice most of these types of treadmills come with paid memberships that give you access to workout programs — for instance, Peloton’s membership is $44 a month — and if you don’t pay for it, you lose access to its workout library and live classes.

Some higher-end treadmills also connect and work seamlessly with your wearable devices — for instance, an Apple Watch. The ability to sync workout data from the machine to your wearable can be motivating and convenient. You can find this feature on treadmills like the BowFlex T9 ($1,499 on sale), Horizon 7.0 AT (on sale for $999), which connects to Peloton and Studio apps via Bluetooth.

How to make the right decision

It’s a good idea to think about what probably isn’t worth an upcharge for you.

If you’re trimming costs, skip the extras you won’t use. Betts advises prioritizing the feel of the motor (smooth, quiet, quick to respond), a comfortable belt surface and size, and overall build quality over flashy add‑ons. If you already use streaming services on a phone or tablet and you don’t feel the need to connect your wearable device to the treadmill, a simpler console may be the way to go. York recommends putting your money into a solid motor (around 2.0–3.0 HP) and adequate deck length before paying for features that won’t impact your day‑to‑day workouts.

So … our conclusion? Picking a treadmill comes down to how much you’re comfortable spending and which features you can’t live without. And if the machine you truly love is a little out of your budget, well, you can always continue saving up for it. In the meantime: bundle up and stay active!

FAQs

What’s the main difference between cheap and high‑end treadmills?

Price usually reflects high-tech features (connectivity options and integrated screens) and a broader training range (larger running surface, stronger motor, steeper inclines, faster speeds). Betts recommends judging performance in person when possible, reading reviews and paying attention to motor smoothness, responsiveness and noise rather than price alone.

Will a budget treadmill support running, or is it only good for walking/jogging?

Many budget models are best for walking or easy jogging due to smaller decks and lower top speeds; some skip incline entirely. For consistent running, York suggests aiming for a motor in the 2.0-3.0 HP range and a longer belt (about 60 inches) so the treadmill can hold pace comfortably and safely. But even our editors’ top budget option — the Horizon T101 Connect — meets most of these guidelines (other than the belt length) and clocks in at a more affordable $600.

Is it worth paying more for a longer warranty?

Often yes, because robust warranties on the motor, parts and labor can signal stronger engineering and lower long‑term risk. Since the drive system’s quality is a major differentiator, coverage on the motor and electronics can be a smart hedge if you plan to rack up miles.

Should I consider used or refurbished treadmills to save money?

It can be a smart move if you inspect the treadmill carefully and the unit comes with meaningful warranty or service support. Apply Betts’s test‑and‑review approach: check for motor noise, speed‑change responsiveness, belt condition and stability, and don’t skip recent owner reviews or a short in‑home trial window if available.

Meet our experts

• Michael Betts, personal trainer and director of fitness at TrainFitness

• Milica McDowell, physiotherapist and exercise physiologist, VP of operations at Gait Happens

• Maria Vazquez, personal trainer and head of training for MyWowFit

• Josh York, personal trainer and founder and CEO of Gymguyz

• Jay Silva, running coach and strength and conditioning coach at TeachMe.To

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.